Combination line trimmer and edger

ABSTRACT

An improved line trimmer and edging unit for lawn and garden use provides a multi-position accessory handle, a roller edge guide having a flange concentrically located about the motor shaft and being of sufficient diameter to maintain a consistent distance between the cutting plane and the object being edged around, symmetrically disposed safety switches, and a battery located symmetrically in-line with the center of the shaft of the unit. The combination lawn trimmer and edger unit may be used in a first, horizontal cutting plane position for lawn and weed trimming, and may be further used in a second, vertical cutting plane position for edging.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The inventors hereof claim the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication serial No. 60/287,364 filed Apr. 30, 2001.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates, generally, to improved linetrimmer and edging devices for lawn and garden use; and, morespecifically, to a combination line trimmer and edging device, furtherproviding, in a preferred embodiment, a multi-position handle, a rolleredge guide with a flange concentrically located about the motor shaft,dual-position safety switches symmetrically located about the centralshaft of the unit; and, a battery pack located symmetrically in-linewith the center of the shaft of the unit.

BACKGROUND

[0003] For many years, powered line or blade-type trimmers have beenoffered for the trimming and weeding of lawns in the horizontal plane.Similarly, powered edgers have been offered for the cutting of lawnsaway from walkways and driveways in the vertical plane.

[0004] Consumers, in their desire to purchase and utilize only one toolfor these equivalent lawn cutting purposes, have attempted to usetrimmers of the aforementioned type, intended for use in a horizontalposition for grass and weed cutting purposes, in a rotated, verticalplane to function as a lawn edger.

[0005] Most of these units have a control handle, containing the powerswitches, and an accessory handle, for additional support of the unit'sweight and for use in maneuvering the unit in use. Disadvantageously,however, due to the designs of these handles, many units are notconvenient or safe to use in such a way. Often only a single accessoryhandle position is provided, optimized for use in the lawn cuttinghorizontal plane. Accordingly, when the device is held in the edgingposition, the accessory handle is generally in an inconvenient andoff-balance position.

[0006] Further contributing to the inconvenience in use of such devicesin the vertical plane edging position, the on/off switch and theactivation trigger has been located in an inconvenient position. Aswitch or trigger that is not in a convenient position raises the dualconcerns that the device might be started by accident, resulting in adevice that is both difficult to use and unsafe, or might be difficultto stop in an emergency situation.

[0007] Recent units have been developed that make it more convenient andcomfortable for the operator of the unit to more easily hold the unit inthe required vertical edging position. Some such units have devicesprovided for the rotation of the trimmer head about its shaft, in effectallowing rotation of the cutting plane. Often, however, such rotationdevices are cumbersome and inconvenient to use.

[0008] For edging use, in addition to the issue of maintaining anadequate control position, devices have been developed to help guide thetrimmer with a consistent motion, so as to give the trimmed edge a neatappearance. Many such devices of this type comprise wheel-and-bracketarrangements, rubbing pads, or wire guide loops, configured to hold thetrimmer at a relatively uniform height.

[0009] Many such devices have been developed to safely hold the trimmerin an edging position, and to guide the trimmer in a linear motion, soas to give the trimmed edge a neat appearance. Most of these are of anA-frame type, with wheels mounted on the frame and the frame clamped tothe shaft of the trimmer. Some of these types of devices allow the userto loosen the clamp and rotate the trimmer into an edger position. U.S.Pat. No. 4,922,694 to Emoto and U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,715 to Murray areexamples of this kind of device. Some of these devices, such as U.S.Pat. No. 4,224,784 to Hansen et al. have the wheels rotated 90 degreesto function as an edge guide. Still other designs have plates clamped tothe shaft which held wheels in an edging configuration, such as in U.S.Pat. No. 4,981,012 to Claborn. Other devices, such as U.S. Pat. No.5,228,276 to Miller, are merely axles which bolt to the trimmer.

[0010] Through the additional use of a vertical-plane feature inassociation with these devices, the orientation of the cutting plane tothe adjacent vertical curbing surface can be controlled in a moreconsistent manner. Unfortunately, these devices are sometimes unwieldyto install, to use, and to store. Such devices do not provide a singletool solution to the problem identified by many consumers.

[0011] It is, therefore, readily apparent that there is a need for a newand improved combination line trimmer and edging device, furtherproviding, in a preferred embodiment, two equally-convenient operatingand control positions, a flanged roller edge guide, and dual-actionsafety switches symmetrically located about the shaft of the device;and, in an alternate embodiment, the above features including a batterylocated symmetrically in-line with the center of the shaft of thedevice.

[0012] It is, therefore, to the provision of such an improved devicethat the present invention is directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the presentinvention both overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meetsthe recognized needs for such a unit, by providing a line trimmer unitwith an operating and control position that changes easily from aposition convenient for trimming, to one that is convenient for edging.

[0014] The unit, accordingly, is provided preferably with two sets ofactuation and safety switches which, through their symmetrical locationabout the control handle of the unit, and when used in association withthe multi-position accessory handle and control handle of the unit,allow the operator to easily flip or rotate the unit into a secondoperating position (from trimming mode to edging mode and vice versa),and, thereby, to maintain the controls in the exact same position withrespect to the operator. In this manner, the convenience to, and safetyof, the operator is optimized in either position.

[0015] In edging mode, a flanged roller edge guide that is preferablyintegral to the trimmer housing assembly assists the operator increating a uniformly-trimmed edge, and eliminates the need forcomplicated appendages or techniques to perform this function.Advantageous to the present invention, the roller edge guide is integralto the trimmer housing assembly is and concentrically located about themotor shaft. Because of this orientation, the roller edge guide can beof sufficient diameter to allow easy rolling on most surfaces, whilemaintaining a consistent distance between the cutting plane and theobject being edged, regardless of the angular orientation of the trimmerwith respect to the operator or the working plane.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the power source (e.g., a battery) forthe unit is located in a symmetrical, in-line orientation with respectto the shaft of the unit. This orientation serves to ease the rotationof the unit between control positions, and also facilitates a consistentfeel during use in either of the two modes (trimming and edging) ofoperation. This consistency of feel is manifested in the way that themass of the power source affects the operational maneuverability of theunit. Accordingly, in either position the unit is equally well balanced.

[0017] Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a newand improved combination line trimmer and edger that has amulti-position accessory handle which may be easily indexed amongstpositions.

[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a newand improved combination line trimmer and edger that has opposed,symmetrical motor actuation and safety switches.

[0019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a newand improved combination line trimmer and edger that has an edgingroller with a flange that is integral to the trimmer housing, whichoperates to assist the operator in creating a distinct trimmed edge, andwhich eliminates the need for complicated apparatus to perform thisfunction.

[0020] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide anew and improved combination line trimmer and edger wherein the rolleredge guide is integral to the trimmer housing and concentrically locatedabout the motor shaft, and whereby the roller edge guide is ofsufficient diameter to allow easy rolling on most surfaces, whilemaintaining a consistent distance between the cutting plane and theobject be edged around.

[0021] It is still a further object of the present invention to providea new and improved combination line trimmer and edger with a batterylocated symmetrically in-line with the center of the shaft of the unit.

[0022] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide anew and improved combination line trimmer and edger which may easily beused as a conventional trimmer, intended for use in a horizontalposition for grass and weed cutting purposes, and then rotated into avertical plane to function as a lawn edger, all while providing secureand convenient control of the unit in either such position, along with abalanced aspect and safe operation.

[0023] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art by referenceto the accompanying Drawing Figures and to the Detailed Description ofthe Preferred Embodiment presented herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] The present invention will be better understood by reading theDetailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment with reference to theaccompanying drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals denotesimilar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

[0025]FIG. 1 is a side view of the combination lawn trimmer and edgerunit of the present invention, demonstrating the handle and trimmerhousing in the trimmer configuration;

[0026]FIG. 2 is a side view of the combination lawn trimmer and edgerunit of the present invention, demonstrating the handle and trimmerhousing in the edger configuration;

[0027]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the handgrip, handle,and battery housing of the combination lawn trimmer and edger unit ofthe present invention;

[0028]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the shaft, trimmerhousing, roller edge guide, and motor assembly of the combination lawntrimmer and edger unit of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the roller edge guideand motor assembly of the combination lawn trimmer and edger unit of thepresent invention;

[0030]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the roller edge guideand linehead assembly of the combination lawn trimmer and edger unit ofthe present invention;

[0031]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the handle of the combination lawntrimmer and edger unit of the present invention, showing the taperedlocating cams of the handle of the unit;

[0032]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the handle pivot pin and locatingslots of the combination lawn trimmer and edger unit of the presentinvention; and,

[0033]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thecombination lawn trimmer and edger unit of the present invention showingthe handle, switches, and thumb screws.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of thepresent invention illustrated in the Figures, specific terminology isemployed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is notintended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and itis to be understood that each specific element includes all technicalequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similarpurpose.

[0035] Shown in FIGS. 1-8 is a combination lawn trimmer and edger unit10 of the present invention according to a first embodiment. Unit 10,generally, is provided with two sets of actuation and safety switches 40a, 40 b which, through their symmetrical location about shaft 120 ofunit 10, when used in association with multi-position accessory handle80 and control handle 20 of unit 10, allow the operator to easily flipor rotate unit 10 into a second operating position (from trimming modeto edging mode and vice versa), and, thereby, to maintain the controlsin the exact same position with respect to the operator. In this manner,the convenience to, and safety of, the operator is optimized in eitherposition.

[0036] Specifically, with first reference to FIGS. 1-3, unit 10generally comprises control handle 20, which is formed in two halves 20a, 20 b. Integrally molded retainers 30 within control handle 20 retaintwo switches 40 a, 40 b. Halves 20 a, 20 b of control handle 20 arefastened together, which results in switches 40 a, 40 b being capturedin place.

[0037] Switches 40 a, 40 b are located symmetrically about shaft 120 ofunit 10. This arrangement will be seen to allow the operator of unit 10easily to rotate unit 10 about the axis of shaft 120; thereby, resultingin switches 40 a, 40 b advantageously being in the same control positionrelative to the operator, and eliminating the necessity of beingrequired to hold the trimmer in an attitude that would cause unsafe orunmanageable operation.

[0038] Switches 40 a, 40 b are of a safety lockout type. In order forunit 10 to function, one switch 40 a, 40 b must be in the enable,trigger-lock release mode, whereupon the other switch 40 a, 40 b thenacts like a conventional, trigger-type on/off switch. These functionsare reversed upon rotation of unit 10, so that a trigger 40 a, 40 b isalways in the most convenient position for the operator, regardless ofwhether unit 10 is being used in the trimmer operating position or inthe edger operating position. Accordingly, so long as one switch 40 a,40 b is in the enable mode and the other switch has the trigger engaged,unit 10 will function.

[0039] Control handle 20 is connected at its lower end to the upper endof battery housing 60. Battery housing 60 is also preferably formed intwo halves 60 a, 60 b, which are fastened together. Integrally moldedbattery positioning retainers 63 hold battery 66 in place. Battery 66preferably comprises an elongated configuration and is positioned withinunit 10 so as to give unit 10 optimal operational balance. Becausebattery 66 is symmetrically located in-line with the center-line ofshaft 120, the user easily may rotate unit 10 between and amongst itstwo operating positions.

[0040] Battery housing halves 60 a, 60 b further comprise pivot pins 70a, 70 b for accessory handle 80. As best seen with reference to FIGS. 7and 8, pivot pins 70 a, 70 b preferably are molded or otherwise affixedinto battery housing halves 60 a, 60 b. Accessory handle 80 simply snapsover pivot pins 70 a, 70 b.

[0041] Accessory handle 80 is held in an operator selected position bytapered locating cams 90, which engage a first set of slots 100 onbattery housing 60. A relatively small amount of force is all that isrequired to index accessory handle 80 to a second position. Onceaccessory handle 80 has been indexed into its second position, taperedlocating cams 90 then engage a second set of slots 110, which holdaccessory handle 80 in its second position.

[0042] The lower end of battery housing 60 is fastened to the upper endof shaft 120.

[0043] Referring next to FIG. 4, lower end of shaft 120 is affixed tothe upper end of trimmer housing 130. Trimmer housing 130 preferably isformed in two halves 130 a, 130 b, which are fastened together.Integrally molded retainers 140 within two halves 130 a, 130 b of thetrimmer housing 130 hold motor mounting plate 150 in position. Openings160 are provided to permit air to flow freely to motor assembly 170 forcooling.

[0044] Referring next to FIG. 5, motor mounting plate 150 is providedwith openings 155 to permit affixation and mounting of motor assembly170. Accordingly, motor assembly 170 is affixed to the upper side ofmotor mounting plate 150. The upper side of flange washer 180 contactsthe lower side of motor mounting plate 150. The upper side of edgingroller 190 contacts the lower side of flange washer 180. Bottom flange200 contacts lower side of edging roller 190, and is affixed to thelower side of motor mounting plate 150. In such position, bottom flange200 holds flange washer 180 and edging roller 190 in position, yetallows edging roller 190 to freely rotate. Flange area 190 a of edgingroller 190 contacts the ground or other working surface and allows theoperator to maintain a uniform edge when unit 10 is used in the edgingposition.

[0045] Advantageous to the present invention, edging roller 190 isintegral to trimmer housing 130 and is concentrically located aboutmotor shaft 210. Edging roller 190 is of sufficient diameter to alloweasy rolling on most surfaces, while maintaining a consistent distancebetween the cutting plane and the object be edged around.

[0046] Accordingly, in edging mode, flanged edging roller 190 assiststhe operator in creating a uniformly-trimmed edge, while eliminating theneed for complicated ancillary devices or techniques to perform thisfunction. Because of the previously described orientation, flangededging roller 190 can be of sufficient diameter to allow easy rolling onmost surfaces, while maintaining a consistent distance between thecutting plane and the object being edged, regardless of the angularorientation of the trimmer with respect to the operator or the workingplane.

[0047] It will be seen that motor shaft 210 extends through motormounting plate 150, flange washer 180, edging roller 190, and bottomflange 200. Upper end of motor coupling 220 is attached to the end ofmotor shaft 210.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 6, linehead housing 230 overlies lower endof motor coupling 220 and is held in place by screw 240. Upper side oflinehead housing 230 has fan blades 250, preferably integrally moldedtherein to provide airflow to cool motor assembly 170. Linehead spool260 slips into linehead housing 230 and is held in place by tabs 270 onthe side of linehead cover 280, which further engage slots 290 inlinehead housing 230. Spring 300 is provided between linehead spool 260and linehead housing 230, in order to bias linehead spool 260 againstlinehead cover 280.

[0049] Line 310, which is used as the preferred cutting means, iswrapped about linehead spool 260 and is then extended through hole 320in linehead housing 230. Linehead housing 230, spring 300, lineheadspool 260, linehead cover 280, and screw 240, accordingly, are seen tocomprise linehead assembly 330.

[0050] When motor 170 is energized, linehead assembly 330 rotates,causing line 310 to revolve about the axis of linehead spool 260.Spinning line 310 may then be advanced by the user of unit 10 into thelawn area which is to be trimmed.

[0051] In operation, with unit 10 configured for use as a trimmer, theoperator grasps accessory handle 20 and control handle 80. Switch 40 a,located upon the top of unit 10 is depressed by the operator's thumb.Switch 40 b, located upon the bottom of unit 10 is used as aconventional trigger-type switch, and is depressed by the operator'sindex finger. Both switches 40 a, 40 b must be depressed for unit 10 tooperate. When linehead assembly 330 begins spinning, unit 10 may bemoved from side-to-side in a sweeping motion, and is thereafter advancedinto the lawn area to be trimmed.

[0052] When the operator desires to use unit 10 as an edger, all that isnecessary is for the user to index accessory handle 80 into the edgingposition and then rotate unit 10 by 180 degrees. Switches 40 a, 40 b areoperated as discussed hereinabove, their respective functions, however,being reversed. Since switches 40 a, 40 b are dual-acting, switch 40 ais now engaged by the operator's thumb, and switch 40 b is now on thebottom to be used as a conventional trigger-type switch. Both switchesmust be depressed, however, in order for unit 10 to operate.

[0053] In the edger position, when linehead housing 230 starts spinning,the user rests circular area 190 b of edging roller 190 upon ahorizontally-oriented feature of an area to be edged. Flange 190 a ofedging roller 190 contacts a vertically-oriented feature of the area tobe edged and acts to guide unit 10, which results in a uniformly trimmededge.

[0054] Referring next to FIG. 9, in an alternate embodiment designatedunit 410, accessory handle 480 rotates on shaft 120 and is held in therespective operating position by a standard detent mechanism of a typewell-known in the art. To change operating positions, the operatorsimply rotates accessory handle 480 about the axis of shaft 120 from afirst operating position to the second operating position. The angle ofaccessory handle 480 may be adjusted with respect to shaft 120 formaximum operator comfort by loosening thumbscrews 425, moving accessoryhandle 480 to the desired position, and re-tightening thumbscrews 425.

[0055] Both the edging and trimming operating positions have firstswitch 440 a for actuation and second switch 440 b for safety lockoutpurposes. Switches 440 a, 440 b are contained in control handle 420.Control handle 420 may comprise two symmetrical control handlesdesignated 420 t, 420 e such that in either operating position, theoperator holds the exact same structure. Accordingly, switches 440 a,440 b are in the same control position relative to the user in eitheroperating position. In order for unit 410 to function, one of actuationswitches 440 a and its paired safety lockout switch 440 b must both beengaged.

[0056] In operation, with unit 410 configured for use as a trimmer, theoperator grasps control handle 420 t and accessory handle 480. Switch440 b, located on the outer portion of control handle 420 t, isdepressed by the operator's thumb. Switch 440 a, located on the innerportion of control handle 420 t, is used as a conventional trigger-typeswitch, and is depressed by the operator's index finger. Both switches440 a, 440 b must be depressed for unit 410 to operate. When lineheadassembly 330 begins spinning, unit 410 may be moved from side-to-side ina sweeping motion, and is thereafter advanced into the lawn area to betrimmed.

[0057] When the operator desires to use unit 410 as an edger, all thatis necessary is for the operator to rotate accessory handle 480 into theedging position and to rotate unit 410 by 180 degrees. The operator thengrasps control handle 420 e. The opposing set of switches 440 a, 440 bare operated as described hereinabove. Once again, both switches 440 a,440 b must be engaged in order for unit 410 to operate.

[0058] In the edger position, when linehead housing 230 begins spinning,the user rests circular area 190 b of edging roller 190 upon ahorizontally-oriented feature of an area to be edged. Flange 190 a ofedging roller 190 contacts a vertically-oriented feature of the area tobe edged and acts to guide unit 10, which results in a uniformly trimmededge.

[0059] It will be recognized by one ordinarily skilled in the art thatthe disclosures made herein with regard to battery-operated combinationline trimmer and edger devices are equally applicable to devices drivenby other means of motive force; including, but not limited to gasolineengines, or the like. Specifically, features comprising eitherindividually or in combination, a multi-position accessory handle; amulti-position control handle; a roller edge guide comprising a flangeof sufficient diameter to allow easy rolling while maintainingconsistent distance between the cutting plane and the object being edgedaround; and/or, motor actuation switches symmetrically located about thecontrol handle of the device are equally applicable to devices havingnon-battery powered engines.

[0060] It should also be noted that where parts are attached or fastenedtogether they may be riveted, screwed, snapped, glued, or otherwiseaffixed by any other equivalent means, known in the art, to accomplishthe attachment.

[0061] It should also be apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the artthat alternate cutting means may be utilized in lieu of the cutting linedisclosed by the above described several embodiments. Such alternatecutting means might include a blade or blades, plastic cutter orcutters, or the like.

[0062] Having thus described preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that thewithin disclosures are exemplary only, and that various otheralternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within thescope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention isnot limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but islimited only by the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A combination lawn trimmer and edger comprising: (a.) a motor, said motor affixed to a shaft; (b.) a head for carrying cutting means, said head mechanically coupled to said motor and supported by said shaft; (c.) a control handle, said control handle operable in first and second control positions; (d.) an accessory handle operable between first and second positions; and, (e.) means for actuating said motor, whereby said combination lawn trimmer and edger may be used in a first, horizontal cutting plane position for lawn and weed trimming, and may be further used in a second, vertical cutting plane position for edging.
 2. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 1 further comprising an edging roller carried by said head.
 3. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 2 wherein said edging roller further comprises a flange.
 4. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 2 wherein said edging roller is carried by a lower portion of said head and is disposed so as to be concentrically rotatable with respect to said cutting means.
 5. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 1 wherein said cutting means comprises a linehead for carrying cutting line.
 6. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 1 wherein said cutting means comprises a blade.
 7. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 1 further comprising a battery for powering said motor, said battery disposed symmetrically in-line with a center-line through said shaft.
 8. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 1 wherein said motor is carried within said head.
 9. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 1 wherein said means for actuating said motor comprises a first motor actuation switch and a second motor actuation switch, said switches disposed symmetrically about said control handle.
 10. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 9 wherein said first and second motor actuation switches each further comprise an actuation position and a safety lockout position.
 11. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 9 further comprising a first safety lockout switch and a second safety lockout switch disposed symmetrically about said control handle.
 12. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 1 wherein said accessory handle is carried by a pivot pin.
 13. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 12 wherein said accessory handle is indexed into each of said first and second positions by a tapered locating cam which engages a slot.
 14. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 1 wherein said accessory handle is carried by said shaft and is rotatable thereabout between said first and second positions.
 15. A combination lawn trimmer and edger comprising: (a.) a motor, said motor affixed to a shaft; (b.) a head for carrying cutting means, said head mechanically coupled to said motor and supported by said shaft; (c.) a control handle; (d.) an accessory handle; (e.) an edging roller carried by said head; and, (f.) means for actuating said motor, whereby said combination lawn trimmer and edger may be used in a first, horizontal cutting plane position for lawn and weed trimming, and may be further used in a second, vertical cutting plane position for edging.
 16. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 15 wherein said edging roller further comprises a flange.
 17. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 15 wherein said edging roller is carried by a lower portion of said head and is disposed so as to be concentrically rotatable with respect to said cutting means.
 18. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 15 wherein said cutting means comprises a linehead for carrying cutting line.
 19. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 15 wherein said cutting means comprises a blade.
 20. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 15 further comprising a battery for powering said motor, said battery disposed symmetrically in-line with a center-line through said shaft.
 21. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 15 wherein said motor is carried within said head.
 22. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 15 wherein said means for actuating said motor comprises a first motor actuation switch and a second motor actuation switch, said switches disposed symmetrically about said control handle.
 23. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 22 wherein said first and second motor actuation switches each further comprise an actuation position and a safety lockout position.
 24. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 22 further comprising a first safety lockout switch and a second safety lockout switch disposed symmetrically about said control handle.
 25. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 15 wherein said accessory handle is carried by a pivot pin.
 26. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 25 wherein said accessory handle is indexed into each of said first and second positions by a tapered locating cam which engages a slot.
 27. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 15 wherein said accessory handle is carried by said shaft and is rotatable thereabout between said first and second positions.
 28. A combination lawn trimmer and edger comprising: (a.) a motor, said motor affixed to a shaft; (b.) a head for carrying cutting means, said head mechanically coupled to said motor and supported by said shaft; (c.) a control handle, said control handle operable in first and second control positions; (d.) an accessory handle operable between first and second positions; (e.) an edging roller carried by said head; and, (f.) means for actuating said motor, whereby said combination lawn trimmer and edger may be used in a first, horizontal cutting plane position for lawn and weed trimming, and may be further used in a second, vertical cutting plane position for edging.
 29. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 28 wherein said edging roller further comprises a flange.
 30. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 28 wherein said edging roller is carried by a lower portion of said head and is disposed so as to be concentrically rotatable with respect to said cutting means.
 31. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 28 wherein said cutting means comprises a linehead for carrying cutting line.
 32. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 28 wherein said cutting means comprises a blade.
 33. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 28 further comprising a battery for powering said motor, said battery disposed symmetrically in-line with a center-line through said shaft.
 34. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 28 wherein said motor is carried within said head.
 35. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 28 wherein said means for actuating said motor comprises a first motor actuation switch and a second motor actuation switch, said switches disposed symmetrically about said control handle.
 36. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 35 wherein said first and second motor actuation switches each further comprise an actuation position and a safety lockout position.
 37. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 35 further comprising a first safety lockout switch and a second safety lockout switch disposed symmetrically about said control handle.
 38. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 28 wherein said accessory handle is carried by a pivot pin.
 39. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 38 wherein said accessory handle is indexed into each of said first and second positions by a tapered locating cam which engages a slot.
 40. The combination lawn trimmer and edger of claim 28 wherein said accessory handle is carried by said shaft and is rotatable thereabout between said first and second positions. 